Inspired by historical figures who walked The Camino de Santiago.
A brochure is attached in several languages with the descriptions of the characters and the clubs of the deck (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese).
Scallop Shells/GOLDS
The Scallop Shell has always been the emblem of the pilgrims. It was worn attached to their hats and cloaks as a symbol of their pilgrimage to Santiago.
Knave. Gotescalco.
He was the first well known foreign pilgrim to arrive in Santiago.
Horse. Saint Bridget of Sweden
In 1341, she walked, together with her husband Ulf, to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle.
King. Diego Xelmírez.
First archbishop of Santiago, who promoted the construction of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Gourds/CUPS
Among the pilgrims, it was common to carry a gourd hanging from their staff, in which they kept the wine that they were given at hospitals, like the one at Roncesvalles, where pilgrims often arrived sick and exhausted.
Knave. Current pilgrim.
Horse. Aymeric Picaud.
French benedictine monk, author of The Pilgrim’s Guide included in the Codex Calixtinus, who carried out the pilgrimage on horseback.
Queen. Saint Elizabeth of Portugal.
After her husband’s death, she walked to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle in 1325.
Knives/SWORDS
Even though folding knives do not appear in Spain until the end of the XVI century, their use spread around Europe thanks to pilgrims. Nowadays, folding knives are still essential in the pilgrim’s backpack.
Knave. Pilgrim woman carrying Arzúa cheese.
Horse. Saint James the Apostle.
This is the image of Saint James the Apostle when he miraculously took part as defender of Christians against the Moors during the Battle of Clavijo (23 May 844).
King. Alfonso II, the Chaste.
King of Asturias. He was the first pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela (814), where he met Bishop Teodomiro.
Staffs/CLUBS
Traditionally, it was useful to protect oneself from any danger along the way. Nowadays, it continues to be an element which is immediately identified with pilgrims.
Knave. Pilgrim woman under the rain.
Horse. St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Francis of Assisi carried out his pilgrimage to Compostela between the years 1213 and 1215. He founded his first monastery in the city.
King. Theodemar of Iria.
Bishop of Iria Flavia, involved in the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle in today’s city of Santiago de Compostela.
